close2

Syllabification: (close)

Pronunciation: /klōz/

Definition of close

1move or cause to move so as to cover an opening: [no object]:she jumped into the train just as the doors were closing [with object]:they had to close the window because of the insects
[with object] block up (a hole or opening):glass doors close off the living room from the hall figurativeStephen closed his ears to the sound
[with object] bring two parts of (something) together so as to block its opening or bring it into a folded state:Loretta closed her mouth Ron closed the book
[no object] gradually get nearer to someone or something:they plotted a large group of aircraft about 130 miles away and closing fast
[no object] (close around/over) come into contact with (something) so as to encircle and hold it:my fist closed around the weapon
[with object] make (an electric circuit) continuous:this will cause a relay to operate and close the circuit

2bring or come to an end: [with object]:the members were thanked for attending, and the meeting was closed [no object]:the concert closed with “Silent Night” (as adjective closing)the closing stages of the election campaign
[no object] (of a business, organization, or institution) cease to be in operation or accessible to the public, either permanently or at the end of a working day or other period of time:the factory is to close with the loss of 150 jobs [with object]:the country has been closed to outsiders for almost 50 years
[no object] finish speaking or writing:we close with a point about truth (as adjective closing)Nellie’s closing words
[with object] bring (a business transaction) to a satisfactory conclusion:he closed a deal with a metal dealer
[with object] remove all the funds from (a bank account) and cease to use it.
[with object] Computing make (a data file) inaccessible after use, so that it is securely stored until required again.

[in singular]

1the end of an event or of a period of time or activity:the afternoon drew to a close
(the close) the end of a day’s trading on a stock market:at the close the Dow Jones average was down 13.52 points
Music the conclusion of a phrase; a cadence.

2the shutting of something, especially a door:the door jerked to a close behind them

Phrases

close something down (or close down): cause to cease or cease business or operation, especially permanently:the government promised to close down the nuclear plants within twenty years
close in (on): come nearer to someone being pursued:the police were closing in on them; gradually surround, especially with the effect of hindering movement or vision:the weather has now closed in, so an attempt on the summit is unlikely; (of days) get successively shorter with the approach of the winter solstice:November was closing in
close something out: bring something to an end:Steve tried to close out the conversation
close up: (of a person’s face) become blank and emotionless or hostile:he didn’t like her laughter and his face closed up angrily
close something up (or close up)
close with: come near, especially so as to engage with (an enemy force).

Middle English: from Old French clos-, stem of clore, from Latin claudere 'to shut'

Definition of close in the British & World English dictionary